Read, Write, Blog:

An Introduction to Classroom Blogging Using Blackboard

Mark Wagner
Educational Technology and Life
mark@edtechlife.com

Slides:

Interactive Demo

What is a blog?
What is the read/write web?
What do these technologies mean for you and your students?

The Read-Only Web

Powerful resource for educators and students, but…
Information moves from publishers to consumers
Information cannot be edited
The One-Way Web
Web 1.0

The Read/Write Web

It is now as easy to create as it is to consume.
Anyone can publish, share, and change information
The Two-Way Web
Web 2.0
This is changing our world!

Blogs

Web + Log = weblog or “we blog”
Easily created
Easily updated
If you can email, you can blog.
Blogs allow visitors to comment.

Educational Blogs

Teacher web sites Example
Class web sites Example
Learning journals Example
Book Clubs Example
Connect with Authors and Experts Example
Pen Pals Example (See Global Awareness and Cultural Literacy Through Electronic Dialog)
Professional Development Example
Reflective Practice Example (Also, don't miss David Warlick's blog.)
More Examples: http://www.supportblogging.com

Better Blogging

Read (Or Do), Reflect, Write, Respond
Develop voice (and identity)
Make a contribution
Make connections
Blog as a backup brain
25 Basic Styles of Blogging (and when to use each one)
Educational Role-Play

Benefits

Engagement and Motivation
Context
Inquiry
Collaboration
Reflection and Metacognition

Concerns

Information Literacy
Inappropriate Content
Inappropriate Sharing
Threats and Cyber-bullying
Intellectual Property (Check out creativecommons.org for alternative licensing.)
Fraud and Identity Theft
Stalkers and Predators
Free Speech Concerns
Lack of Understanding

Proactive Strategies

Citizen Journalism and Citizen Police Work
Legal Protections
Safety Tips for Students
Safety Tips for Parents
Communication and Empathy
Blackboard Blogs!

Hands-On with Blackboard Blogs

Create a blog
- Blog Information
- Select Members
  - Individual Blogs
  - Group Blogs
  - Class Blogs
- Options
- Grade Book Entry & Text Direction
Your First Post (Entry)
- If you can email, you can blog!
- More word processing features... this should be familiar. ;)
Comments
View: Privacy, actions, filters, archives, export, RSS
Modify: Blog Information, Members, Options
Manage, copy, remove
Practice: Read, Reflect, Write, Respond...

Additional Resources in Blackboard

"Assignments"
Web Sites
Books
Contact Mark at mark@edtechlife.com

Elective Activities

RSS
Wikis in Blackboard
Lesson Planning
Other "parking lot" ideas from the morning...

Reflection

How might you use a blog or blogs with your class?
What is your next step?
Evaluation

Blog Search Engines

Related Wikis

See http://wikiwhileyouwork.wikispaces.com for a similar course outline related to wikis.
See http://reallysimple.wikispaces.com for a similar course outline related to RSS.
See http://internetawareness.wikispaces.com for more information on Internet Awarenss, Ethics, and Safety.